| Faculty | Approved Courses | Majors | Minors |
253.535.7400
www.cs.plu.edu
csce@plu.edu
Computer science deals with the theory, design, and application of
computing systems and the study of the storing and manipulation of
information. The program at Pacific Lutheran University provides a
broad base core of fundamental material that stresses analysis and
design experiences with substantial laboratory work, including software
development. In addition, students are exposed to a variety of
programming languages and systems. Students can choose from a number of
upper-division courses, which insure a depth of knowledge and an
understanding of current developments in the field.
The Bachelor of Science degree in computer science has been accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Computer engineering is an engineering specialty that has grown out of rapidly evolving micro- and mini-computer technology. The curriculum consists of essential and advanced elements from computer science and electrical engineering, developing both hardware and software expertise. Electives permit concentration in areas such as integrated circuit design, robotics, microprocessor applications, computer design, computer security, application software development, and artificial intelligence.
In keeping with the university's mission to prepare students for a life of service, there are four major goals of the Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs.
Goal I: To provide a solid education in computer science and computer engineering in a liberal arts setting that prepares the student for graduate study or entrance into a profession in computing technology.
Goal II: To foster an aptitude and desire for life-long learning.
Goal III: To provide courses and personnel that view computer science and computer engineering as part of the human endeavor, that is, to see computer science and computer engineering in relation to more general intellectual development and to the needs of society.
Goal IV: To help students develop the ability and mental precision necessary to analyze, think critically, consider alternatives, and finally to be creative in their field of study.
In other words, we want to turn out students who will not only contribute to the field but also succeed in life. These goals are reflected in our program objectives, which are designed to produce graduates who, as practicing engineers and computer scientists, are able to:
- Contribute to their field of study
- Apply sound design methodology and tools to solve problems
- Respect their role in society
- Expand their knowledge after graduation
We call these are CARE objectives. For a complete description of the CSCE Goals, Objectives and Outcomes, visit the department website at www.cs.plu.edu
Faculty: Hauser, Chair; Blaha, Easwaran, Hauser, Kakar, Murphy, Spillman, Wolff.
There are several beginning-level classes in computer science designed for students with various needs:
- CSCE 115: Solve it with the Computer: Especially for students with little or no background in computer science who wish an introduction to the use of the computer for problem solving. This course also satisfies the Mathematical Reasoning requirement.
- CSCE 120: Computerized Information Systems: Especially appropriate for business majors and other students wishing an introduction to the computer and applications of software packages.
- CSCE 144: Introduction to Computer Science:
For students majoring in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and most science majors, as well as others wishing a strong experience in computer programming.
- CSCE 270: Data Structures: This is the second course in the major. With departmental approval, students with a strong programming background may receive advanced placement into this course.
The Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department is located in the Morken Center for Learning and Technology, a $21 million facility that opened in February 2006. The state-of-the-art facility has more than seven miles of conduit running through the concrete floors to power advanced computing technologies. The building provides computer science students with exciting new facilities for learning and close collaboration with professors. The Morken building includes a computer lab for software development, an electronics lab for computer engineering and robotics, a Linux lab, the Weigand Multimedia Lab, smart classrooms with recessed computers for each student, private student work areas, and dedicated student workrooms for capstone projects. There is wireless network access throughout the building and CSCE students have accounts on the department's Solaris server.
All PLU students have general university accounts that provide email and other web-based services. Students have unlimited access to the university computer center's user-room facilities. All PLU computers are connected via a high-speed Ethernet (switched and fast). Connections to the Ethernet network are also provided in the dorm rooms. The campus network is based upon a fiber-optic backbone connecting the buildings and switched Ethernet inside the buildings.
Students majoring in computer science may choose to earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree
in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in either Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
The Bachelor of Arts program is the minimum preparation suitable for
further professional study and is often combined with extensive study
or a second major in an allied field.
The Bachelor of Science degrees are strong, scientific degrees that contain additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and science and serve both students going directly into employment on graduation and those going into graduate programs.
Students should take CSCE 144, 270 and MATH 151, 152 early in their program.
- A minimum grade of C is required in all courses (including supporting courses) counted for a major.
- Only one CSCE topics course (either 400 or 410) can be used as an elective for a major.
- For the BA degree, at least 12 upper-division semester hours must be completed at PLU.
- For the BS degrees, at least 16 upper-division semester hours must be completed at PLU.
- CSCE 144, 270; 346 or 380; and 499.
- The remaining hours are from computer science and engineering courses numbered above CSCE 319
(except CSCE 345, 449)
- Up to four hours may be substituted from Math 341 or 356.
- Required supporting: Math 151, 152, and 245.
- 44 semester hours of computer science must include CSCE 144, 270, 320, 343, 346, 371, 380, 499
- 12 additional credits of approved elective courses, one of which must be from CSCE 367, 386, or 444.
- Elective courses submitted for approval are to be selected from the computer science courses numbered above CSCE 319 (except CSCE 345, 449), or hours from Math 356 not counted toward the 30 hours of required supporting courses.
- The 30 hours of supporting courses in mathematics and science must include:
- MATH 151, 152, 245, 341.
- A minimum of 12 semester hours of approved science courses, which includes a year's sequence of a laboratory science. PHYS 153, 154 with 163, 164 are preferred. CHEM 115, 116 and either 320 or 331, BIOL 161, 162, GEOS 101, 102, or 103; and 201 are acceptable.
- Approved sciences courses are: any BIOL, except 111; any CHEM, except 104, 105, 210; any Geosciences; any Physics; CSCE 345.
- The remaining hours, if any, may be chosen from any Mathematics course numbered above 329 (except 446) or any approved science course.
- CSCE 131, 144, 245, 270, 345, 346, 380, 480, 499
- MATH 151, 152, 245, 253, 341; 331 or 356
- PHYS 153, 154, 163, 164
- CHEM 115
- At least four semester hours chosen from PHYS 233, 234, 333, 334, 336, or CHEM 341
- Ten additional semester hours from any upper-division Computer Science and Computer Engineering courses numbered above CSCE 319 (except CSCE 449).
Restrictions on all three minors: Computer Science, Information Science and Electrical Engineering:
At least eight upper-division semester hours must be completed at PLU.
- 20 semester hours, including CSCE 144, 270
- Eight additional hours of upper-division computer science courses numbered above CSCE 319 (except CSCE 345, 499)
- Required supporting: MATH 151, 128 or equivalent
- 24 semester hours, including CSCE 144 and 367
- Business 202
- At least four additional hours from CSCE courses numbered above 250 (except CSCE 345, 449)
- At least eight additional hours selected from BUSA 320, 375, 376, 378, or 478.
- 44 semester hours, including CSCE 131, 144, 245, 345, and 346
- Required supporting:
- CHEM 115; MATH 151, 152, and MATH 245 or 253
- PHYS 125, 126, 135, 136 or 153, 154, 163, 164.